this is a discussion within the Saints Community Forum; Originally Posted by AsylumGuido
So how does Graham get the blame when the LT let him go, too? It is the LT's primary job to block and you give him no grief? You pick out one play to bash Graham ...

It is the same three or four people that have dragged Graham through the mud over the past several months on this site. Reading their constant bashing of Graham has gotten quite old.

I'll bet if you asked those three or four people, our sticking up for Graham all the time has gotten quite old too.

There are other sites where everyone agrees. The posters all "toe the party line" so to speak. I hope B&G never becomes such a site. It's boring. I enjoy reading other people's perspectives as well as respectfully, debating different points of view.

It is important however, to remember we all deserve respect. Name calling or belittling has no place here.

(Sorry Asylum, I don't mean to come off as attacking you. This was a general statement with nobody in particular in mind)

It is the same three or four people that have dragged Graham through the mud over the past several months on this site. Reading their constant bashing of Graham has gotten quite old.

People need to realize he made the team because of his receiving ability, not his blocking ability or overall TE skills. He doesn't need to be a great blocker, just hold his own. We have other TEs if we need good blocking. Don't let the NFL AND NFLPA fool you, we did get a receiver for the price of a tight end.

Ok, first of all, Jimmy is not a great blocker. Were not asking him to pancake Cam Jordan, but how about stalemating Junior Galette? And being 6"6 does not mean you can't block. Many outstanding O-Lineman have been 6"5 or 6"6. Jimmy is an inexperienced football player. I think eventually he'll learn how to stiff arm, break tackles and run block more effectively.

Ok, first of all, Jimmy is not a great blocker. Were not asking him to pancake Cam Jordan, but how about stalemating Junior Galette?

What exactly is the difference? Both were among the best OLB/DE edge rushers in the NFL last year.

And being 6"6 does not mean you can't block. Many outstanding O-Lineman have been 6"5 or 6"6. Jimmy is an inexperienced football player. I think eventually he'll learn how to stiff arm, break tackles and run block more effectively.

He's not a lineman. He's a tight end. For comparison:

Graham: 6'7" 265 lbs
Armstead: 6'5" 305 lbs

There are no 265 lbs offensive tackles in the NFL for a reason.

And honestly any comparison to Ditka from 40 years ago is lame (in reference to another post somewhere). The speed and size of defensive linemen from the two eras are so different, that no comparison really makes sense.

A tight end in today's NFL isn't an extra lineman. It's not like Harris (or in the past Streif) checking in as tackle eligible. A tight end that can help on a double team, can set an edge, and can chip while going out on a route can be effective on the end of the line.

Cam Outweighs Junior by at least 40lbs and is much better than Junior vs the run. How well a guy pass rushes is irrelevant to Jimmy because if were passing, Jimmy's not blocking I promise you. Jimmy only blocks on running plays and no TE in the league could move or stop Cam Jordan on a running play. I never compared Jimmy to Ditka! I implied he should emulate his hard nosed playing style. And a WR or RB can chip or set an edge or help double team. If you asked Jimmy he'd say he can and will do more. And why are you telling me there are no 265lb tackles? My point was being tall doesn't mean you can't block like others posted. And Strief has never and will never be a TE. He checked in one play on 3rd and 1 at TE. You say like Strief did in "the past", what 3 or 4 years ago? 10 years ago Shockey was more of a receiver than a tackle. Now Hoby Brenner was basically an OT with good hands.